Graceful amateurism is not an easy aesthetic to maintain but
Justin Kennedy manages it with charming imprecision in a show about
love.

Kennedy is a performer who clearly knows the difference between
stagecraft and a rubber chicken. Theatrical acumen, more often than
not, hinders the work of the comedian. We demand vulnerability,
shabbiness and genuine engagement from a stand-up performer. Adept
actors often have all the requisite tat surgically removed. Not
here.

Kennedy balances performance polish with threadbare candour.
He's bawdy enough to play to a late-night comedy audience. As an
actor, he's proficient enough to manipulate sappy reviewers to
tears.

The writing here is like a natty, tailored suit. It's well
constructed, bespoke to its subject and with flashy dabs of colour.
Ladies . . .? is entirely appropriate for literate sooks
who crave romance.